We're so excited to introduce the members of our 2021-2022 Executive Team to the arts community at X University and beyond! We come from an incredible diversity of academic disciplines, creative fields, personal backgrounds and interests, but there's one thing we definitely have in common: A passion for creating a kinder, more vibrant, and more inclusive world through the arts. Get to know us better by reading each member's unique profile below!
Eunice Addo
Co-Editor-in-Chief (Fall 2021)
Instagram Handle: @thatfinkjazz
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
Music, pop culture, and various cultures/scenes such as the Wild West, 1970s NYC punk, and the 1960s L.A. Freak scene. Also, the surrealism and fantasy of my favourite director, Michel Gondry!
What is your current obsession(s)?
The return of concerts!!! I can’t wait to finally see Hubert Lenoir live.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
I want to see less hesitation based on the belief that one isn’t skilled enough to create art or be part of a creative collective! I hope more amateur creatives share their work so we can showcase a wider spectrum of creativity that’s not limited to professional, polished work.
Rebecca Rocillo
Co-Editor-in-Chief (Fall 2021)
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
From other people's writing! Whether it's the books I used to read and love as a child (Alice in Wonderland, The Lord of The Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia), the books I've read over the summer (Elizabeth Lim's Six Crimson Cranes, Liselle Sambury's Blood Like Magic), or the work of student creatives at X University, reading other people's writing reminds me why I love storytelling so much. It also reminds me of how far I have to go in honing my craft, which is both motivating and daunting...
What is your current obsession(s)?
BTS. Ever since my ARMY friend introduced me to them last year, not a day goes by that I don't listen to The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever, Love Yourself: Answer, and/or Map of the Soul: 7 from top to bottom - I need those albums to survive. Would love to have even more ARMY friends to scream with.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
Since starting out as a Co-Editor at The Continuist, I've constantly been blown away by the raw honesty of our creative writers in telling their stories (whether in the form of fiction or real-life experiences). In particular, the poetry that comes out of our community surrounding the themes of identity, race, culture, and belonging have really hit home and resonated deeply with me. I'd love to see even more.
Cat Dias
Co-Editor-in-Chief (Fall 2021 - Winter 2022)
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
I take my inspiration from my surroundings and growing up in a big, diverse city like Toronto has largely impacted my work.
What is your current obsession(s)?
I love binge watching k-dramas, painting and hiking.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
This year, I can't wait to take on a larger leadership role at The Continuist and see more video and audio submissions from our creators.
Tanvi Vyas
Co-Editor-in-Chief (Fall 2021 - Winter 2022)
Instagram Handle: @createawreck
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
Most of my creative inspiration comes from my own life, but I also love looking to history, mythology and other creative works to inspire me.
What is your current obsession(s)?
I'm finally getting into bullet journaling, and I'm really enjoying the process!
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
I'm always looking for more diversity in the creative community, both in the works created and the people creating. I also hope to see more strange and so-called "weird" ideas! I think it's always great to experiment with something new.
Leila Kazeminejad
Co-Editor-in-Chief (Winter 2022)
Instagram Handle: @kazemoneyjad
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
It's hard to pin-point what makes me want to create, but it's all from a place of urgency and understanding. I want to tell someone something, I want to be understood or I want to understand something about myself. All creation comes from the need to communicate something to a Someone, no matter what the method is so maybe that's where I get my sporadic moments of inspiration?
What is your current obsession(s)?
Reading all the books I bought but never read, Maneskin and The Garden, girlbossing, shit-posting, being with my loved ones, making new acquaintances and even better friends, transforming into a frog, etc.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
If I have any hopes for others, they have inevitably originated from hopes for myself. I want to find honesty in the community; I want the pieces being created to be reflections of the creators. I want to understand as I hope to be understood myself and that only comes along with a genuine love for the art being created.
Maya Morrow
Social Media Director
Instagram Handle: @mayamorrow
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
I get my creative inspiration from interacting and collaborating with creatives of all kinds. Fun conversations and brainstorming sessions always kickstart my favourite ideas!
What is your current obsession(s)?
My current obsession is re-reading my favourite books from childhood. Nothing will ever compare to Harry Potter or Percy Jackson!
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
I would love to see a supportive creative community where people are taking risks, learning from each other, expressing their true selves and telling their story through art.
Farishteh Pavri
Event Planning Coordinator
Instagram Handle: @farishtehpavri
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
Taking on creative projects allows me to be open to inspiration from countless things. Inspiration helps inform my emotions, which in turn, helps me to create.
What is your current obsession(s)?
My current obsession is punch needle embroidery.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
I would love to see more learning of different cultures through their art and fun collaborations! My favourite thing about events is their availability to bring people together and spread joy!
Jaden Tsan
Graphic Design Co-Director
Instagram Handle: @jadundun
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
I get creative inspiration from TV and movies, listening to music, as well as from my cultural background!
What is your current obsession(s)?
I’m currently obsessed with making rugs and watching kdramas!
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
I would like to see more innovation and diversity from our creative community and learn from other perspectives.
Cindy Phung
Graphic Design Co-Director
Instagram Handle: @ph.xng
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
As an artist I draw my inspiration from fellow artists as well as my own culture tv & film and music. I love to integrate my own and others' experience into art to create a personal connection and an experience.
What is your current obsession(s)?
Re-watching Community on a loop while planning elaborate photoshoots that integrate my love for theatre and film. Also lots of daydreaming on the red carpet premiere of my own films and shows.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
I want to see work that just brings a new perspective and unique voice. I love seeing different perspectives and how different kinds of mediums brought together can create really dynamic and unique works of art.
Ionna Hipolito
Creative Director / Content Editor (Fiction)
Instagram Handle: @ionnamay
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
I’m an emotional writer- I tend to draw inspiration from real life experiences; whether it be through friends, family, or other creative mediums. I need to feel something for whatever I’m creating, and I can usually find that needed emotional push in my environment.
What is your current obsession(s)?
Not necessarily a tangible thing, but I’ve been obsessed with the colour Sage and the k-pop group Enhypen.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
I want to be able to learn something new because writing, especially in fiction, isn’t just limited to high fantasy, or “enemies to lovers”. As a young adult, those are most of what I see in the community- I know there are many diverse writers out there who dabble in other genres in fiction, so I’d really appreciate anyone who would give me recommendations in those!
What is your favourite thing about your creative medium?
I know this is an overused answer, but it really is true- I’ve always loved fiction as a form of escape. Real life can get overwhelming sometimes and there’s just something beautiful about being able to rely on words, made-up characters and worlds to fall back on when you need to get away from all that. (Only momentarily though, reality is great)
Rooshan Khan
Creative Director / Content Editor (Nonfiction)
Instagram Handle: @rooshan_k
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from strong leaders specifically in the fashion industry who use their platform and creative medium to uphold the voices of marginalized communities and spread awareness on socio-political issues.
What is your current obsession(s)?
I'm currently obsessed with getting more skilled at drawing fashion illustrations. In addition to that, most of my time is actually spent daydreaming of all the coffee shops in Europe I want to sit and be the main character in.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
I want to see and hear more stories from my first generation immigrant POC about growing up in North America and being proud of their experiences and hardships through their writing and visual art.
What is your favourite thing about your creative medium?
Non-fiction writing has all the creativity of fiction writing with heros, plots and climaxes, however the thing I love about it the most is that it's all based on truth. It's an opportunity to share real and honest stories that will have an impact!
Vanessa Nim
Creative Director / Content Editor (Poetry)
Instagram Handle: @tisnessa
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
Often I get inspiration very randomly and sporadically, so it's hard to pin down an answer to this question! Many times, however, I am inspired by my personal experience, stories from others, the natural world and spirituality.
What is your current obsession(s)?
Always obsessed with Popeye's cajun seasoned french fries.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
I would love to continue seeing more BIPOC showcasing their voice and talents! The Continuist did an amazing job amplifying diverse voices last year, and I'd love to see that trend continued.
What is your favourite thing about your creative medium?
My favourite thing about poetry is the freedom of form the medium gives. A poem can be any length, spoken or written, even sung, and displayed in a hundred different ways, and I think that diversity offers a beautiful landscape to express ourselves within.
Aimee Bernardo
Creative Director / Content Editor (Poetry)
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
My creative inspiration comes from love! Love for people, art, and even processing the hard things helps me interpret the world in a better, more open-minded and exciting way.
What is your current obsession(s)?
I’m currently obsessed with the makeup art I’m experimenting with, about ten thousand travel plans, and wearing so many rings that my fingers clink when I do anything.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
I would love to see a lot more inclusivity and intersectionality! Unique people create uniquely, and deserve more space and support from other creatives, especially if their voices are too often suppressed.
What is your favourite thing about your creative medium?
I love how interpretive poetry can be. It can take you right into someone’s story and emotions, and then your interpretation can tell you something about your own.
Christina McCarvell
Creative Director / Content Editor (Visual Arts)
Instagram Handle: @persimmon.sun
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
My creative inspiration 90% of the time is intuitive: I follow the mood of my creative space and the connections I feel in the moment whether that is a connection to myself, others, energy or the environment. I use lots of flowy markings that combine abstract lines with depictions of nature, space and fantasy worlds.
What is your current obsession(s)?
A current obsession of mine is knitting because I find the repetition calming, plus it can be done almost anywhere. It's also satisfying to create items that can be worn and with you wherever you go.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
My vision for the art community is more collaboration, and for us to all grow our creativity and mind through other people's perspectives.
What is your favourite thing about your creative medium?
Visual art is amazing because it leaves possibility for many mediums to combine and it's a process. You are fully and physically interacting with your art the whole time you are creating it. It's also great because you can share an idea or feeling, but it can be ta ken in differently by every viewer (so it can always have an impact).
Tania Habib
Creative Director / Content Editor (Photography)
Instagram Handle: @taniahabibb
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
I get my creative inspiration from my own life and emotions! More specifically anything that is super appealing to me that I see such as tv, music, social media and Pinterest (ofc)!
What is your current obsession(s)?
At the moment I am absolutely obsessed with the Naruto series, the rain, coffee, learning to draw and creating illustrations on my art/photography page (@tania.img if your interested)!
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
I would love to see more collaboration, whether it be between individuals or through art mediums. The exchange of knowledge and skill through collaboration is very powerful and creates wonderful things!
What is your favourite thing about your creative medium?
The medium of photography is extremely powerful in terms of story telling and aesthetics. I love the way photography can be mixed with a ton of different mediums to create cool pieces - the power of editing is superior!
Denmark Morales
Creative Director / Content Editor (Film/Video)
Instagram Handle: @denmark_morales
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
I take inspiration from Studio Ghibli, Chizu, and Science SARU.
What is your current obsession(s)?
I think 3D NPR, Unity, and Blender are things that I am super passionate about.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
I want to see more engagement within 3D and CGI artists with film and photo kids.
What is your favourite thing about your creative medium?
You can create anything, so long as it has vertices, edges, and faces.
Apurba Roy
Creative Director / Content Editor (Audio)
Instagram Handle: @apurbaroy_
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
I get my creative inspiration from my own experiences and what entertains me and I will definitely implement it into working with the Continuist.
What is your current obsession(s)?
My current obsession is the Netflix show Outer Banks.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
Being in the creative community I definitely want to see more diversity in the community and I will do my part to ensure diversity.
What is your favourite thing about your creative medium?
What I love about my creative medium is that there's so many opportunities within that I cannot wait to explore!
Naomi Wokocha
Creative Director / Content Editor (DIY Crafts)
Instagram Handle: @n.naew
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
I get my creative inspiration usually from the sciences and most YouTube videos. I love seeing the deconstruction and explanation of a project that may seem complicated at first glance, but turns out, can be done by anyone.
What is your current obsession(s)?
My current obsessions would have to be Afrobeats since I just came back from my vacation to Nigeria, horror classics (since Halloween is a little over a month away), and fall candles from Bath and Body Works.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
What I would like to see more of from our creative community is acceptance of mistakes and lack of perfection, some people think art has to be perfect to be published. Art is subjective, no matter the medium. Publish what you are proud of and what you believe in, it could inspire someone else to do the same.
What is your favourite thing about your creative medium?
My favourite thing about my creative medium would have to be the uniqueness within each project. You can follow a tutorial for a DIY project, but still personalize it and give it a sense of individuality while staying true to your initial intentions when you began. You have the power to turn it into something completely personal and different.
Tristanne Lovetana
Creative Merchandise Coordinator
Instagram Handle: @TrisLovetana
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
My main source of creative inspiration would definitely be from the people I know and the environment I’m in. A large majority of the individuals I surround myself with are creatives in and of their own, and I believe that all of their unique personalities encourage me to explore my more creative self.
What is your current obsession(s)?
Trying different food recipes I find on TikTok.
What do you want to see more of from our creative community?
As an owner of a small eco-friendly and ethical fashion brand, I would love to see more creative contributions towards sustainability (whether it be through art or everyday living).
Stay connected with our new team via updates on The Continuist's website and Instagram (@thecontinuist). We can't wait to get started on an exciting year of projects, events, and hangouts with you all!
Graphics by Eunice Addo (@thatfinkjazz), Cindy Phung (@ph.xng), and Jaden Tsan (@jadundun)
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